The Medjimurje winery is investing European money into planting vineyards, mechanisation, and, of course, tourism.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marta Duic writes on the 20th of April, 2018, in Štampat, a Medjimurje-based winery with just six employees and fourteen hectares of vineyards, special attention is being paid to the autochthonous ”pušipel” grape variety, which produces top quality wines. According to David Štampar, the owner of the winery and chairman of the Hortus Croatiae association, the tradition of wine production in his family has been present for than a century, and the greatest shift in production was achieved back in 1991 when they filled their very first bottles.
“The production approach is being modernised, new plants have been raised, new cellars have been constructed and the production of sparkling wine and red wine has begun. Today, our wines are a pure reflection of the terroir of upper Medjimurje. Pušipel is the only important indigenous sort in Medjimurje, and through national and European Union programs, we’re working on raising its quality and its affirmation. For a stronger affirmation, we’re advocate activities at the winery, as well as through the Hortus Croatiae association,” Štampar explained.
Sales are improving!
He praised the sales growth which saw excellent results in their year-to-year competitions.
“We export to France, Germany, Sweden, and Hong Kong. In the past three years, we’ve invested in the expansion of the cellar and the production of sparkling wines, as well as in new grape processing and the purchase of land for vineyards,” they state from the Medjimurje winery. So far, they have withdrawn funds from youth measures and e-impuls, and are planning to apply for measures for planting more vineyards, as well as for the purchase of mechanisation, and also the measures for the development of tourism oriented activities.
The Hortus Croatiae Association, which brings together 24 winemakers, also organises Urbano, an ever-popular enogastronomic event that has been promoting Medjimurje products for the past nineteen years already. This year, from May the 18th to June the 1st, the program will be aimed at enjoying the wines, delicacies, music, culture and tradition of the area.
As the number of exhibitors and visitors has gradually increased, Urbano outgrew the boundaries of Medjimurje County, and today exhibitors come from Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary. One of the partners of the event this year is from abroad, more precisely from Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship, Poland.
